SXSW Accelerator

Discover the Most Innovative Online Technologies

The eighth annual SXSW Accelerator startup competition will take place at Startup Village® on Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13. A live audience, as well as a panel of expert judges will discover advancements in various sectors of emerging technology.

The best part…product demonstrations by the most ambitious talents in the world with the most creative new ideas to change it. Catch a glimpse of the industry's future at Accelerator 2016.

How does the competition unfold? On Saturday, March 12, 2016 a total of 48 Interactive technology companies will dazzle a live audience, a panel of three judges and co-emcees in Round One with their ideas, innovations, products and / or services. These 48 companies are selected by the SXSW Screening Committee from the hundreds of startups from across the United States and around the world who apply for SXSW Accelerator before the Friday, November 6, 2015 deadline.

On Sunday, March 13, 2016 the field of 48 will be narrowed down to the top 18 companies – and these 18 startups will return to present to a new set of co-emcees and judges. At the end of the day on Sunday, these judges will select the grand prize winners for each category. These winners will go on to be honored at the SXSW Accelerator Awards, which occurs at the Hilton that evening.

ENTER YOUR PROJECT
If you are interested in entering your project into the SXSW 2016 Interactive Accelerator pitch event, learn more about the application process.

DEADLINE TO ENTER YOUR PROJECT
Final deadline to enter SXSW Accelerator 2016 is 11:59pm CT on Friday, November 6, 2015. Entries are NOT allowed after this Friday, November 6, 2015 deadline.

EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE
For 2016, SXSW Accelerator will likely receive more than 500 entries. Only 48 of these entries will be selected as finalists and invited to present in March in Austin. So, the competition to be part of SXSW Accelerator is extremely tough!

ATTEND

On Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13, 2016, the Interactive portion of SXSW Accelerator pitch event is open to Interactive, Gold, and Platinum badge holders. SXSW Film badge holders are allowed entry to Rounds One and Two of the SXSW Accelerator Entertainment and Content Technologies sessions, as well as the SXSW Accelerator Awards.

WHERE
SXSW Accelerator pitch event occurs within Startup Village at the Hilton Downtown Austin. If you have a SXSW Interactive, Gold or SXSW Platinum badge, you are welcome to attend.

SXSW ACCELERATOR AWARDS CEREMONY

Winning startups from each category will be honored at the SXSW Accelerator Awards on Sunday evening, March 13, 2016 at the Hilton Downtown Austin honoring the best of the best of the best SXSW Accelerator entrants.

Attendees will have a chance to meet the winners and the finalists, plus network with like-minded registrants (all while enjoying delicious food and beverages).

2015 ACCELERATOR SPONSORS
Without the support from our sponsors, we wouldn't be able to produce such a successful event, giving startups the kind of exposure they need to get out there and head towards success. Through sponsorship, companies can engage with and raise their profile in the startup community while showing support for emerging talent and creativity. To learn more about these unique sponsorship opportunities, please contact us.

SXSW ACCELERATOR ALUMS
Accelerator has showcased hundreds of startup companies during it's existence, many of which have gone onto achieve great success. Check out some of our Accelerator Alums that have pitched throughout the years.